Pre Cancer of Mouth and its treatments

"Leukoplakia" - the White Patched Pre-Cancer of Mouth and its cure
Dr P Ajit Kumar, MS (USA)

Precancerous white lesions in the mouth are typically referred to as "Leukoplakia". Leukoplakia is a condition characterized by white or gray patches on the mucous membranes of the mouth, including the inside of the cheeks, gums, tongue, and sometimes the throat. While most cases of leukoplakia are not harmful, some can be precancerous and have the potential to progress to oral cancer. While I was the head of the department of dentistry at Apollo Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh,I have had a lot of patients with leukoplakia, same as in my best dental clinic in Assam, now, than in countries like USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Iran, etc. where I had been studying and working. So, perhaps the number of oral cancer patients is high in the north-eastern states of India in the world. Therefore, it's essential to diagnose and treat them promptly by a best dentist in Assam. Here's an overview of leukoplakia and its modern treatment, including the use of laser therapy by best mouth pre-cancer treatment in Guwahati:

Diagnosis of Leukoplakia:

• Clinical Examination: A healthcare provider, usually an educated and experienced best dentist in Guwahati, will begin by visually inspecting the inside of the mouth. Leukoplakia appears as white or grayish patches that cannot be scraped off at morning as dirty food particles remain in the mouth overnight.

• Biopsy: If the lesions appear suspicious or if the patient has risk factors for oral cancer, a biopsy may be recommended. During a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed from the lesion, usually done by a best laser dentist in Guwahati these days without bleeding and post-removal pain, and sent to a laboratory for histopathological examination to determine if it contains precancerous or cancerous cells.

Risk Factors for Leukoplakia:

Tobacco and betel nut Use: Smoking and using of smokeless tobacco products and betel nut significantly increase the risk of developing leukoplakia.

• Alcohol Consumption: Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption is another major risk factor.

• HPV Infection: Infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with an increased risk of oral lesions, including leukoplakia. HPV can be spread through oral sex, most of the times.

• Chronic Irritation: Rough or jagged teeth, ill-fitting dentures, or other sources of chronic irritation in the mouth and tongue can contribute to the development of leukoplakia.

Treatment of Leukoplakia:

Laser Therapy: Laser therapy can be done by a best laser dentist in Guwahati and it involves using a focused beam of light to vaporize or remove the abnormal tissue. It's a minimally invasive procedure that can be effective for smaller lesions, especially those in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Laser treatment can be relatively quick, result in less discomfort, and reduce the risk of scarring.

• Surgical Excision by Laser: For larger or more severe lesions, surgical removal may be necessary. This procedure involves cutting out the affected tissue, ensuring that all abnormal cells are removed. Surgical excision may be followed by sutures to close the wound in rare cases, if it is done by laser dentist in Guwahati .

• Medications: In some cases, especially when the lesions are small and not premalignant, healthcare providers may prescribe topical, submocous or systemic medications. These medications can include vitamin derivatives and serum to encourage healthy cell growth and healing.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Patients are often advised to make crucial lifestyle changes:

  • Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking and tobacco use is paramount to reduce the risk of recurrence and the development of oral cancer.

  • Alcohol Reduction: Limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption helps reduce irritation to the oral tissues.

  • Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including regular dental check-ups, can prevent further irritation and complications.

Follow-Up and Monitoring:

Patients with a history of leukoplakia should schedule regular follow-up appointments with a best experienced dentist in Guwahati. These appointments allow for the monitoring of the treated area and early detection of any recurrence or malignant transformation.

• Continued adherence to a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, is crucial to long-term oral health.

It's important to emphasize that not all leukoplakia cases are precancerous or will progress to cancer. However, early diagnosis and appropriate management by a best dentist in Guwahati is essential to minimize the risk and ensure the best possible outcome. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified and most experienced dentist in Guwahati who can tailor the approach to the individual's specific condition and needs.
(Writer is a Director and Consultant Laser Dentist and Cosmetologist at Glitz Clinic, Sixmile, Guwahati, formerly Head of Dental Surgery, Apollo Hospitals. Mobile: 8638140006)

PS: Dr. Patangia is renowned as the best dentist in Guwahati. With 34 years of experience in different contries in the world like USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia etc. and expertise in the field, he has gained a reputation for providing exceptional dental care to patients. Dr. Patangia's Glitz clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and modern facilities, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of treatment. His friendly and compassionate approach puts even the most anxious patients at ease. From routine check-ups and cleanings to complex procedures like dental implants and orthodontics, Dr. Patangia offers a comprehensive range of services to cater to the diverse needs of his patients. Whether it's a toothache or a cosmetic dental procedure, patients can trust Dr. Patangia to deliver outstanding results. With his commitment to excellence, it's no wonder he is considered the top choice for dental care in Guwahati.